The veterinary consumer needs to understand what credentialed veterinary technicians/nurses do on a daily basis in regards to patient care

OK, ok, I DO agree with the first one. I don’t however, believe this will change the last one perception wise. I honestly feel this will confuse the issue even further. How you ask?
I’m glad you did…

First of all, how is this going to UP the understanding of the average Joe Or Joelene into understanding what we do as Vet Techs?

Nurses are generally perceived- unless they have NP (Nurse Practitioner) after their name- as people who get you out of bed at the hospital, tend to your wounds at the doctors office or stand by while your gyno digs for gold…. wait, ok scratch that image even if it’s true.

The point is, Nurse Ratched got her name for a reason. Here is more on their take:

Credential Woes

Currently, a VT is designated a certified VT, registered VT, licensed VT, or licensed veterinary medical technician (LVMT), depending on the credentialing state. (See Table 1.) The lack of standardization has led to widespread confusion regarding the VT’s role within the veterinary profession and among members of the general public, who do not clearly understand VT credentialing, leading to these members of the profession having little perceived value.

YES of course that makes sense but HOW does changing everyone into a NURSE with a wave of their legislative wand fix that?
Hasn’t the issue been, and will CONTINUE to be that Vet Techs are simply not respected, promoted or advertised enough for the public (PET owning public that is) to understand what we do behind those closed doors?

Does your clinic tell YOU what their Vet Techs do? Do you see them out in the office talking to clients, selling diets, explaining things to a new client or a bereaved one? Does them being a NURSE make that change somehow?

IN my experience, and from what I read in my Vet Techs United group on Facebook, the perception isn’t going to change no matter what we are called, UNTIL VETERINARIAN’S STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND PROMOTE US TO THE PUBLIC!!!